US Delivers Critical Missile System to Ukraine for Enhanced Strike Capabilities
In a significant move, the United States has discreetly delivered long-range ballistic missiles to Ukraine, fulfilling the urgent request made by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and the promise made by President Joe Biden last month. This delivery marks a crucial development in Ukraine’s defense capabilities as it now gains the ability to strike Russian targets that are located further away, ensuring the safety of Ukrainian forces by keeping them out of range.
The Army Tactical Missile System, known as ATACMS, arrived in Ukraine a few days ago, as confirmed by US officials on Tuesday. Although the delivery was shrouded in secrecy, President Zelensky publicly acknowledged the receipt of the US-provided weapons and expressed gratitude to the United States for fulfilling their agreements.
This intense secrecy surrounding the delivery of ATACMS marks a notable departure from previous US weapons sent to Ukraine by the Biden administration. Typically, the US publicly announces its decision to send weapons and equipment overseas, but due to concerns about escalating tensions with Russia, the details of the delivery were kept under wraps. The ATACMS version provided to Ukraine has a shorter range than its maximum potential in order to mitigate any further escalation.
The ATACMS missiles sent to Ukraine have a shorter range and are equipped with cluster munitions. When fired, these munitions open in the air, releasing multiple bomblets instead of a single warhead. The strategic deployment of these missiles was put to test by Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces, who claimed to have destroyed nine Russian helicopters and other military equipment and personnel at two airfields located in Russia-occupied regions of eastern and southern Ukraine.
The ATACMS missiles will play a crucial role in Ukraine’s ability to strike the airfield in Berdyansk, which lies within the range of the shorter-range version provided by the US. The inclusion of cluster munitions will allow for precision strikes against multiple targets. Notably, the closest Ukrainian troop positions on the western bank of the Dnieper River are merely 160km away from Berdyansk.
The delivery of ATACMS missiles was approved by President Biden last month during his meeting with President Zelensky at the White House. While the US administration has not disclosed the exact timing or quantity of the missile delivery, it was suggested that a small number, approximately two dozen, would be sent. This cautious approach reflects the US government’s reluctance to provide powerful weapons that could potentially escalate the conflict.
It is worth mentioning that this is the second time the Biden administration has authorized the delivery of cluster munitions to Ukraine. Cluster bombs are banned by many Nato allies due to their potential for causing civilian casualties and unintended harm in civilian areas.
Ukrainian forces intend to utilize these missiles to support their counteroffensive efforts as they navigate the challenging conditions of the upcoming winter months. The strategic deployment of ATACMS will enable Ukrainian troops to strike deep within Russian lines while remaining outside the firing range.
In conclusion, the discreet delivery of the Army Tactical Missile System to Ukraine marks a significant boost to Ukraine’s defense capabilities and its ability to strike Russian targets. With the ATACMS missiles in their arsenal, Ukrainian forces now possess the means to effectively counter Russian aggression while minimizing the risks to their own troops. The provision of these weapons signifies the commitment of the United States to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict.
